Paving sidewalks



(No Model.)

J. H. DUKE, Jr.

PAVING SIDEWALKS.

No. 320,858. Patented June 23, 1885.

IEZZI IE'EEES Ki W UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE.

JOHN H. DUKE, JR, OF GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN.

PAVING SIDEWALKS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 320,858, dated June 23, 1885. Application filed March 10, 1885. o model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOHN H. DUKE, J r., of Grand Rapids, in the county of Kent and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Paving Sidewalks and Streets; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use it, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, which forms part of this specification.

My invention relates to an improvement in sidewalks and streets; and it consists in a metallic frame, which is made long enough to extend across the sidewalk, and which has a smaller frame formed upon its outer end for the purpose of forming a step or horse-block, as will be more fully described hereinafter.

The object of my invention is to provide a frame which is suitable for paving sidewalks and streets, and which is beveled at both of its ends, so as to be supported into position by the curbstonesat each end, or by the curbstone at one end and the building at the other.

The accompanying drawing represents a perspective of a frame embodying my invention.

A represents a suitable rectangular frame, which is made long enough to extend entirely across a sidewalk, or from curbstone to curb stone of a narrow street. The ends of this frame are made vertical, as shown at B, and then from the bottom of the vertical parts B the ends are beveled or inclined, as shown at C. For the purpose of holding the frame in position more steadily and securely than could be done if the ends of the frame were made entirely vertical, one end of this frame, when used for sidewalks, is to be supported by the curbstone and the other end by the building fronting upon the sidewalk. The bottom of the frame is made slightly concaved, so as to pack the earth toward the center from each end and thus support the frame solidly in position.

Extending lengthwise and crosswise across the bottom of this frame are suitable partitions,

D, which serve to take a hold upon the paving material with which the frame is to be filled, and thus hold the material more secure ly in position than could be done if no partitions were used. These partitions do not extend as high as the sides of the frame, but are made just wide enough to take a good hold upon the paving material, and no more. By this construction only the four edges of the frame extend up to the top of the paving material. In order to brace and strengthen this frame A, the tie or brace rod G is used, which has its ends to project through the ends of the frame, or which is merely secured to them, as may be desired. This brace-rod serves to strengthen the frame and to keep it from warping out of shape.

Formed upon the outer end of the frame A there is a second small frame, I, which is also divided at 'its bottom by means of suitable cross-partitions, .J. This frame I projects a suitable distance above the top of the frame A, and is to be filled with a paving material in the same manner. This frame I serves as a horse block or step. Of course only a few.

of the frames A will be provided with a horse block orstep, and in which case the frame A will be made shorter, so that the block or step will only extend to the curbstone. Those frames which have no horse block or step formed as a part thereto will be made long enough to extend entirely across the sidewalk Where the frames are to be used for paving narrow streets the frames will be made long enough to extend from curbstone to curbstone.

Having thus described my invention, I claim- The metallic frames A and I. formed in a single piece, and adapted to be filled with paving material, so as to form both a pavingblock and a step, substantially as specified.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN H. DUKE, JR.

Witnesses:

CHARLES L. SHATTUOK, HIRAM GURNAER. 

